The author of the following statement is a rising senior at Spanish River Community High School and the incumbent Treasurer of the International Thespian Society Troupe 3963 from May 2018 through May 2020.

Mr. Christopher Cromer has been the head of our Stagecraft department since the 2017-2018 school year. On May 9th, 2019, the last day of school for the graduating senior class and in the midst of the chaos of Advanced Placement exam season, he was informed that his employment contract will not be extending to the 2019-2020 school year. No reason was given as to why.

Mr. Cromer directed and produced both Fiddler on the Roof in April 2018 and Seussical in November 2018, and they are considered to be some of the best shows Spanish River has ever put on. He and the shows brought together members from all around the community, from elementary school students coming to see Seussical on a field trip to older generations enjoying the powerful nostalgia and message of Fiddler on the Roof. They effectively made a lasting impact on both the students in the shows and the friends, family, and community members who came to see them.

The sets and aspects of technical theatre that he designs and creates with his Stagecraft department bring the value of our theatre’s productions to a whole other level. He works effectively with his students and the rest of the theatre department to bring together cohesive sets, lighting, and other technical aspects of the theatre that immensely enhance his work as a director and bring the stories we tell on stage to life. Attached are pictures of the sets of both of the shows that he has directed at Spanish River. Anybody who has seen even a single one of our mainstage productions during or after the 2017-2018 school year can attest to the sheer quality of the technical aspects of our shows.

As one of the few rising seniors in theatre, I am in a unique situation regarding my experiences in this department. During my freshman year and the year before, both our Theatre and Stagecraft departments were under different leadership. They did not work together or collaborate as much as a cohesive theatre program should have. Students felt as though they could not effectively be a part of both departments. Because I experienced this former divergence firsthand, I can attest to the incredible change that Mr. Cromer, along with the head of our Theatre department, has enacted.

The newly established connection between two powerfully collaborative and creative forces has inspired his students to pursue theatre or technical production both in high school and professionally. Personally, it inspired me to stay in the department as a sophomore, audition for Fiddler on the Roof, and successfully pursue a theatrical business internship this past summer in New York City. Multiple graduating seniors are entering college this fall as technical theatre majors. Some of us have already had professional acting gigs or want to pursue acting after high school. Mr. Cromer helped a lot of people in our department, myself included, find what we are passionate about, and is a constant supporter of our goals as students in the theatre world.

Mr. Cromer has an incredible, ever-joyful spirit around his students. Even on days when students have to stay late before a show opens, or after long days of taking exams, his energy and willingness to bring a show to life are what keeps his students’ spirits up. Even during production off-seasons, he makes his class a part of the school day that his students look forward to the most. He's a mentor, a director, a leader, and a friend. By the content of Mr. Cromer’s character, there is no reason to let go of this wonderful and supportive influence.

Replacing Mr. Cromer not only would hurt the students who enjoy putting on productions under his guidance, but would lead to possible divergence between Stagecraft and Theatre, hurting the department as a whole. The only sensible solution is to renew Christopher Cromer's contract.

The members of Spanish River High School’s Theatre and Stagecraft department and the International Thespian Society Troupe 3963 ask that you support our cause by signing our petition and effectively helping us keep the department that we love in the hands of someone we trust. We encourage you, upon signing, to include any positive memories, interactions, or impacts that Mr. Cromer has had on your life.

We thank you for your support!